Magic's Return: I Can See The Spirits

"Where are we going?"

Galen, one of the three mages questioned with a curious look on his face.

"Is that head of yours just for decoration? We are going to the Duel grounds of course." Vaan replied.

"Duel Grounds?"

Galen frowned.

"How are we going to fight there? We Young Mages need to book the slot 2 weeks before in order to use it. Only the Mages above 3rd Circle are allowed to use it anytime they wish."

"This is the difference between the main characters and some side pieces meant to be forgotten."

Vaan shrugged as he walked into the Magic Duel Grounds.

Just like he expected, the place was full of hustle and bustle with different mages battling each other in different duel grounds, some practicing their new spells against others while other were simply training the current spells they had, optimizing them to whatever level they could and improving their strength even by a little.

It was the most competitive time in the Vesta Family, with the Vesta children returning from the Academy, the Battle of Heirs being hot and last but not the least, the Elemental Clash that will be held soon.

At times like these, the Magic Training Rooms and the Magic Duel Grounds are always full as all mages work day and night to improve their performance and step higher.

The atmosphere in this place was overwhelming, Vaan then walked towards the counter, the man sitting on the counter glanced at Vaan and seemed surprise,

"Young Master Vaan! What are you doing here?" He questioned. The man had a big smile on his face as he greeted Vaan and seeing that, Galen frowned in confusion.

Something felt different than before.

The moment everyone heard the man at the table, they all paused what they were doing and turned towards Vaan.

Vaan and them had become the center of attention.

"I want to temporarily book a Magic Duel Ground."

Vaan spoke, completely ignoring the rest of the crowd as if he was used to it already.

"Of course, please wait for a second, Young Master Vaan. I will book a slot in your name, the allocated date would be exactly 2 weeks from now on, as for the timings, you will be informed within 9 days." The man spoke, Vaan, however, shook his head.

"I need one right now."

"Young Master Vaan, that…" a strange look appeared on the man's face. The other mages frowned, seeing all this, Galen felt embarrassed, especially considering his face was still bruised.

In anger, he lashed out at Vaan, "Didn't I tell you already!? Only 3rd Circle Mages or above can book a slot instantaneously.

If it is the spar you want, we can do it anywhere. If Young Master Vaan is worried about getting hurt, don't worry, we will go easy on you."

"…"

"…"

The entire place that was filled with hustle and bustle turned deathly silent. This time, even the Mages who hadn't reacted earlier paused what they were doing and turned towards Galen.

The center of attention now was not Vaan, but Galen.

Galen frowned in confusion.

He could sense it. Something was definitely not right.

Before, cursing or making fun of Vaan, whether it was behind his back or in front of him was considered fun, most of the times, people laugh out loud while some jumps in and add in more.

Now, however, things had changed.

All these mages staring at him with surprised looks on their faces, heck, some of them even had pitying looks while others had playful smiles on their faces. It would have been fine if all of this was directed at Vaan but…

'Why is everyone acting so strangely?

Did I miss something…?'

Galen thought inwardly, however, before he could think too much,

"Young Master Vaan." Suddenly, a Mage called out.

Vaan turned towards him, the mage then bowed his Head and,

"I booked this Magic Duel Ground 2 weeks ago, although I have used 1 of the 2 hours I have received, if Young Master wants, he can use this place for the rest of the time."

"Huh? Why would Young Master Vaan use your ground when you only have 1 hour left, Young Master Vaan, I am a 3rd Circle Mage, I can book the Slot for you in my name, I also have the authority to book this place for 3 hours, so if Young Master Vaan is willing, then please allow me to help you."

Another Mage spoke up as he bowed his head.

"Young Master Vaan, I can help as well!"

Soon, more and more mages stepped forward, trying to help Vaan and wishing to get close to him.

Heck, some mages even started cursing others, trying to get Vaan to choose them instead of others. Of course, not everyone was doing the same, Vaan may have turned into a prospective heir, but that didn't mean he was the most popular, some of the mages here supported other heirs so they didn't make a move.

However, this much was already enough to shake Galen and the other two mages who were here to challenge Vaan.

What was happening?

Why are all these Mages trying to curry favor with Vaan?

Why were they all treating him with so much respect?

Was it because he was the son of the Family Head?

No, that doesn't make sense. The Vesta Family doesn't operate that way…

Then why…?

They had only been away from the Vesta Mansion for a year, what could possibly happen in a single year for the people to change to this extent?

What did Vaan do?

All these questions filled the Mages' minds, however, the biggest question out of them all was,

Did they think the right thing by accepting Vaan's challenge?

And as if he read their minds and wanted to answer their question, Vaan, who was now standing in one of the Magic Duel Grounds, spoke with a big smile on his face,

"I hope the three of you are prepared, my guinea pigs."